Hazmat Scare Closes UCF Optics and Photonics Building

A faulty sensor activated an alarm Sunday morning at the University of Central Florida (UCF), creating a hazmat scare in its College of Optics and Photonics, according to media reports.

CREOL, the College of Optics and Photonics at the University of Central Florida, was the site of a hazmat scare caused by a faulty sensor. Wikimedia Commons photo.

The sensor indicated a leak of possible hazardous chemicals at the Center for Research and Education in Optics and Lasers (CREOL), triggering a response by the Orange County Fire Department.

After an investigation lasting about three hours, during which the building was evacuated, fire officials determined that there was no leak and that the problem was the defective sensor.

There were three or four students or faculty researchers in the building when the incident occurred, UCF spokesman Chad Binette told the Orlando Sentinel.

There was one complaint of dizziness, but no injuries or illnesses were reported, the Sentinel said.

For more information, visit: www.creol.ucf.edu